Christmas Party 12/27

Today we hosted mom's side of the family for one more Christmas party. We had everyone bring an appetizer, so it was very easy on the hosts. The best part was that it snowed during the party and quite a bit accumulated by the time the extended family left. Mom, Dad, Joe, Mel and the kids were still here, so we suited up in snow gear and went outside for some fun in the snow. We made snow angels, tried to sled (didn't work well b/c our hill runs right into trees), and had a snow ball fight.

Christmas Day

Santa was very good to the girls this year. It was so amazing to see their reaction on Christmas morning. This is the first year that both of them have fully "gotten" Christmas - both the fact that it's Jesus's birthday and the concept of Santa. It was so cute. Santa even left an empty box with a note that asked the girls to pick out some of their old toys so that we could give them to kids who need them. Lily was really into that idea since it was Santa who had asked her to do it. They've had a great time playing with their new toys. Later in the day we went over to Betty and Peters for the Wong family Christmas. We opened presents early there too because the Jacobi's were coming over for dinner and we wanted to have the gift exchange done. It was a great night with a fabulous dinner cooked by Betty. The girls absolutely love their princess toys and barn. They got some great new clothes too, which is a good thing b/c I hadn't gotten them any new clothes at all. Yeah for Christmas - I just love this time of year.

Haley Family Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve in the Haute with the family. The girls and I actually drove down the day before so we could see the Princess and the Frog with mom. Great movie. It was only the girls second time in a movie theater and they did really well. That night we were supposed to go great Joe as he returned home. There was a get together over at Kathy and Rogers. Unfortunately the girls and I had to stay behind b/c Lily woke up from her nap with a big fever. She was fine by morning, though, which I was relieved to find. On Christmas Eve we all opened presents early so the kids could play, then went to mass at 5:30. We were all running late for church (it's a hassle getting 5 kids ready to go) and didn't have time for the traditional Christmas Eve photo. Barclay and I drove home right after church to prepare for Santa's arrival.

Week before Christmas 2009

Oh how we love Christmas time! We have been taking advantage of days off work this week to do tons of fun things! On Sat, Barclay and I took the girls to Conner Prairie to see the Gingerbread Village. Barclay thought it was lame, but the girls and I thought it was awesome. On Sunday we picked up Clare while Melissa went to meet Joe as he arrived home from his deployment. The girls have looovvveeed "helping" me with baby Clare. She's just a perfect sweet little baby and we love her to bits. We bummed around the house a bit, caught up on some Christmas specials, and then today Ariana went with us as we took Clare to visit the new Barbie exhibit at the Children's museum. Unfortunately, Clare slept through the entire 2 hours we were there! Maybe next year she'll enjoy it more ;)

Santa...

Earlier today Lily asked me about Santa:
Lily "Mommy, if Santa doesn't bring me any presents on Christmas, will you?"
Me " I already got you a couple of presents, but I think Santa is going to bring you some too. Why do you ask?"
Lily "Well, I know that sometimes I'm not a very good girl. I might be on Santa's naughty list" - then starts sobbing.

SOO heartbreaking!!! Poor girl - she's going to worry about this for 3 more days! Then I think she'll be very happy on Christmas!

Train Ride!

Today Michael, Melissa and Mom joined us for a train ride. It was supposed to be like the Polar Express, but it was actually changed to the Polar Bear Express..wierd! Anyway, they read a story and then we boarded the train. The kids loved it. It was cute to see how excited they got over a simple train ride! The looked out the window the whole way. Santa Clause, Mrs. Clause, an elf, and a polar bear also rode the train with us. They handed out hot chocolate, bags of candy, and a stuffed polar bear to each kid. The conductor was particularly fond of Mike b/c of his flight jacket! Apparently the conductor was a pilot too. So after the train ride, the conductor palled up with Mike - took a picture with him and then let him climb up in the engine. That may have actually been the best part! Good times had by all!

Mike's Birthday!

We returned to the Haute on Sunday for Michael's 3rd birthday party! It was big fun - here are the pictures!

Thanksgiving with the Wongs!

On Friday we had "Thanksgiving" dinner with the Wongs. We made dinner at our house and it wasn't exactly turkey, but still...we got together and gave thanks for eachother! Close enough, right???? Ana brought the girls new pajamas and we busted out the Polly Pockets for everyone to play with.